Destinies Intertwined (a Kingdom Hearts Riku X Oc fanfic)

Chapter thirty-eight: Two Lights To Guide Him Home

Riku started having another nightmare the next morning, and Sora did what he normally would, but it didn't work completely. So he dug through Riku's pocket, and pulled out the seashell. He opened his friend's palm, and closed it around the shell. Surprisingly, it seemed to work. He relaxed instantly, mumbling. "Thanks..."

 The next two days went by peacefully, then Sora glanced over his shoulder as his friend moaned in his sleep. He watched for a minute. This was different from before. "Is it... getting worse?" "...SORA!" Riku shrieked, sitting bolt upright out of nowhere. Sora tried to calm him down, but the boy didn't seem to hear. 

"Riku! It's alright! It was-- It was just a dream! You're safe!" He grabbed both his shoulders so they were face-to-face. "It's alright..." Riku looked into his eyes, and seemed almost relieved, some of the color returning to his face. "Sora..." "Just..." He mimed inhaling and exhaling. "Breathe. It was only a dream. Okay?" "...Okay." "You gave me a heart attack. What happened?" "Sorry. I... You helped me out a lot lately, but..." "That was worse, huh?" "Yeah. I couldn't protect my friends, and started losing everyone I ever cared about. Kairi, Mickey, Rachel and Ryan... Then I lost you, and--" 

His voice hitched. "It was the worst feeling. I was terrified, but couldn't stop any of it. The darkness was closing in around me, and I couldn't wake up. But I saw... two lights within the dark. One of them was you, your voice cut through the shadows, and the other light was trying to reach out, but couldn't get to me." "I might have an idea of who that other light is." "Who?" One look said everything. "But Rachel's..." "Not here right now. But she will be. We're working on it." "Replicas." Riku realized. "But what about her heart?" 

Sora tapped Riku's chest. "She's inside me?" "It makes sense. Well, anyway, I'm glad you're finally awake." "Finally? How long was I out for?" "A little... over a week." "Seriously? Have you been here... the whole time?" "...Yeah." "You've been sitting here for over a week!? Have you eaten anything? Did you sleep at all? Are you okay?" "I'm fine." "Really? 'Cause I wouldn't want you losing sleep over..." "You alright, Riku?" "Yeah." He looked away, a clear sign that he was still upset. "Sora?" "Hm?" 

"Sorry I yelled at you." "No biggie." "R-really? How--" "I wasn't too happy then, but at the same time... I can't really blame you. I'm gonna go. Be back soon." "See ya." He wandered off, and Riku laid a hand over his heart, closing his eyes. He felt his lips curl into a small smile, and his eyes got slightly watery, when he felt their connection.